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The Mercedes CLS 63 AMG S is not just a car—it’s an experience. It’s what happens when Mercedes’ design and luxury collide head-on with the unrelenting power and performance of AMG engineering. As the flagship of the CLS range, the CLS 63 AMG S is equal parts sculpture, muscle car, and luxury express. It takes the concept of the “four-door coupe”—a niche Mercedes pioneered—and elevates it to an entirely new echelon of speed, style, and sophistication.
Design: The Art of Speed
The CLS 63 AMG S is a showstopper even before you fire up the engine. Its long, low stance, sweeping roofline, and aggressive front fascia command attention from every angle. Wide air intakes, an AMG-specific grille, and flared wheel arches give it a muscular, purposeful presence that hints at its explosive potential.
At the rear, quad exhaust pipes and a subtle spoiler add just the right amount of menace. AMG’s attention to detail is evident throughout, from the 19-inch forged wheels to the tasteful “V8 BITURBO” badging on the front fenders. It’s a car that looks fast even when it’s standing still.
Inside, the CLS 63 AMG S is every bit the luxury cocoon you’d expect from Mercedes. Leather upholstery, carbon-fiber trim, and an intuitive COMAND infotainment system create an environment that’s as comfortable as it is high-tech. The coupe-like roofline sacrifices some rear headroom, but the trade-off feels worth it for the dramatic silhouette.
The Powerhouse: AMG’s M157 Masterpiece
Beneath the hood lies the beating heart of the CLS 63 AMG S—a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, affectionately known as the M157. In S trim, it cranks out a staggering 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful V8s AMG had produced at the time.
Mated to AMG’s 7-speed MCT (Multi-Clutch Technology) automatic transmission, the CLS 63 AMG S sends power to all four wheels through the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This setup translates to a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, a figure that puts many supercars to shame.
The power delivery is ferocious yet refined, with virtually no turbo lag and an endless wave of torque available from as low as 1,750 RPM. It’s the kind of performance that makes overtaking effortless and long highway stretches exhilarating.
Driving Dynamics: Brutal Yet Balanced
The CLS 63 AMG S is not just about straight-line speed; it’s a car that knows how to dance. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system delivers exceptional traction, ensuring that the immense power is always under control, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
The AMG-tuned suspension features three settings—Comfort, Sport, and Sport+—allowing the driver to tailor the ride and handling to their mood. In Comfort mode, the car remains composed and surprisingly supple, making it a genuine grand tourer. Switch to Sport+ and the CLS 63 AMG S tightens up, delivering razor-sharp turn-in, minimal body roll, and a level of precision that belies its size and weight.
The steering, though slightly on the lighter side, is precise and communicative enough to inspire confidence on twisty roads. And then there’s the soundtrack: a deep, guttural roar punctuated by cracks and pops on upshifts and downshifts. It’s the kind of noise that makes you roll the windows down, even on the highway.
Downsides: A Few Trade-Offs
As incredible as the CLS 63 AMG S is, it’s not without its compromises.
- Price Tag: The CLS 63 AMG S isn’t cheap, with a starting price north of $100,000 in 2016. Adding optional extras like carbon-ceramic brakes or premium interior upgrades can push the cost even higher.
- Rear Headroom: That stunning coupe-like roofline comes at the expense of rear-seat headroom, making it less accommodating for taller passengers.
- Fuel Economy: With an EPA rating of 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, the CLS 63 AMG S doesn’t pretend to be economical. But let’s face it—if you’re buying a 577-horsepower luxury car, fuel efficiency probably isn’t your top priority.
The Competition: Where It Stands
In the high-performance luxury coupe segment, the CLS 63 AMG S faced stiff competition from the likes of the Audi RS7 and BMW M6 Gran Coupe. The RS7 boasted similar power and all-wheel-drive grip, while the M6 Gran Coupe leaned into rear-wheel-drive theatrics and high-revving drama.
What set the CLS 63 AMG S apart was its blend of raw performance, luxurious appointments, and that unmistakable AMG character. It was a car that could dominate a racetrack, cruise comfortably on a cross-country trip, and turn heads wherever it went—all without breaking a sweat.
Verdict: The Best of All Worlds
The 2016 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG S is a car that defies easy categorization. It’s a luxury car, a sports car, and a grand tourer all rolled into one stunning package. It offers the kind of performance that leaves your pulse racing, wrapped in a design that turns every journey into an occasion.
For those who value a car that combines unrelenting speed, everyday usability, and high-class luxury, the CLS 63 AMG S is a masterstroke. It’s the ultimate expression of AMG’s ability to create machines that are as thrilling as they are sophisticated—a true apex predator of the automotive world.
